My Summer Experiment!

There is no mistaking summer is here !!! The heat is on and it makes long training run tough on even the best of runners! So I’ve decided to not race this summer and take some time to experiment a little.  

First, I’m postponing my 50k attempt that was planned for July 15. My mileage is no where to what it should be and I have a very busy summer at work planned and it is a high priority. My chronic shin issues have also cropped up again. While it seems to be better on trails, the second I hit paved my shins are not happy at all :( So this summer, I’m going to spend time stripping down my form and reevaluating footwear. All the better to be in shape to complete any race be it paved or trail and move into Ultra distances. I’ve cut back on miles which with this heat won’t too much of a problem. And since I’m not in training right now, I get back to building a good solid base.

Next, I had a gait analysis done and the source of my shin pain seems to be my form. It is more prominent when I run paved as I tend to over reach with my foot and have a longer stride. On the trails my stride is a little shorter, but I still reach with my toes although the softer surface is a little more forgiving. I’ve been reading about ChiRunning and it seems to make a lot of sense. I want to work toward a more mid foot strike and work on some natural running elements to help resolve my shin pain. To that affect, I’ve invested in a pair of Vibram Five Fingers that will be rotated into my workouts.

My friend and yoga buddy Allison and I went for a 1.5mi walk in them post yoga last Saturday morning and while she had hers for a week, that was the first time I took them out. I was recommended the KSO model. It was definitely a whole new way of walking and very much like when I walk barefooted at home. The plan is to walk for the first week or so and then slowly add in very, very short runs.

The key here is keep them short and not to go all out. While I know my lower legs are much stronger than they were a year ago prior to trail running, Vibram walking and running definitely works muscles that may not get used as much when wearing shoes. I’ve reached out to Peter at RunBlogger for some advice and he reiterated that short runs when starting are critical for a good experience. RunBlogger has been great when looking at all the different elements of minimalist running. Many of my friends who have had great success with Vibrams were also great resources in this process. I will post more on them once I have a few more workouts in them.

My plan is to work on form, strengthen shins, calves, quads, glutes and core, and maintain flexibility with regular Yoga. I’m still wearing my Mizuno Cabrakans for trail, but am hopeful that I can move into a more neutral shoe as I get stronger in my lower legs and have better form. While soreness and muscle fatigue is expected, chronic issues are not something I want to deal with moving into the Ultra distances! Therefore despite all the distance goals I have and itching to get under my belt, my primary and main goal is and always will be to stay injury free. So this summer it’s going to be time to strip down, reevaluate and do some experimenting of the running kind!

So tell me have you made the switch over to minimal shoes, why and how is it going for you?

Happy Feet and Happy Trails Everyone!!